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Workington Academy
Academy in Workington, Cumbria, England From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Workington Academy is a mixed secondary school located in Workington, Cumbria. It was established in September 2015 following the merger of Southfield Technology College and Stainburn School and Science College.[2]
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History
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Establishment
In 2014, both Southfield Technology College and Stainburn School and Science College were placed into special measures by Ofsted after receiving inadequate inspection reports. As a result, it was decided that the two schools would close and merge to form a new academy.[2]
To support the transition, an executive headteacher, Lorrayne Hughes, was appointed.[3] It was also announced that William Howard School in Brampton would act as the sponsor for the new academy.[4] This led to the formation of the William Howard Trust, a multi-academy trust, in September 2015, which was later renamed Cumbria Education Trust.[5]
Both schools officially closed in August 2015,[4] and Workington Academy opened the following month.
New Building
Workington Academy was initially located in the building of the former Stainburn School and Science College.[6] In 2015, plans for a new £20 million building were approved by Cumbria County Council,[2] with construction taking place at the rear of the existing site.
The new building was completed in early 2017, and the academy officially relocated in March 2017.[7] The new building was officially opened by The Duchess of Gloucester in a ceremony held in September 2017.[8]
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West Coast Sixth Form
In September 2020, Workington Academy launched the West Coast Sixth Form in partnership with The Whitehaven Academy.[9] The initiative was designed to expand post-16 education opportunities across West Cumbria, offering a broad range of academic and vocational courses.
The sixth form provides qualifications equivalent to one, two, or three A Levels, including Extended Certificates, National Diplomas, and Extended Diplomas. Courses offered include Business, Health and Social Care, Performing Arts, Applied Science, Sports Science, and Information Technology.[10]
Students benefit from a combination of classroom-based learning and practical experience, with many vocational courses including a weekly workplace placement. Free transport is provided between the Workington and Whitehaven campuses to support accessibility.[10]
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Workington Academy Radio
Workington Academy Radio is the student-run radio station of Workington Academy.[11]
In 2020, students from the station conducted an interview with BBC Radio 1 DJ Greg James.[12]
Awards and nominations
Public criticism
In July 2017, Workington Academy faced criticism on social media, where parents and pupils raised concerns about the quality of teaching. Comments posted on a local Facebook page, "Workington Rants - News And Views", alleged an overreliance on supply teachers and a lack of classroom discipline, including claims that students were using mobile phones during lessons.[16]
The interim headteacher at the time, Colette Macklin, responded to the criticism in an interview with the News and Star, defending the school and addressing the concerns raised.[17]
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Headteachers
Since its establishment in 2015, Workington Academy has been led by the following headteachers:
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Notes and references
External links
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